ESP is made in Japan and LTD or made in Korea. Yeah metallica uses them. Alot of people are starting to use the LTD, and ESP brand lately. As far as jackson what just didn't feels right? Which model was it you remeber? I use to have about 7-8 Ibanez's i now own none. Most of my stuff is noe ESP, LTD, Jackson, and older Kramers. I just suggest going to your local guitar center and playing them all to find what you like the best.